Generally, if the diameter of pancreatic lipoma is ≥2cm or if the lipoma causes compression to the surrounding tissues, blood vessels and nerves, surgical resection is required.
Pancreatic lipoma is a benign tumor of pancreas with clear boundary and slow growth. The main component of lipoma is mature adipose tissue, which will not be eliminated by itself and can only be cured by surgery.
If the diameter of pancreatic lipoma is <2cm, and the patient does not have obvious clinical symptoms, conservative treatment can be chosen. At this time, there is no need for surgical resection, and only regular review is needed.
If the size of pancreatic lipoma is increasing, the diameter is ≥2cm, or it has caused pressure on the surrounding tissues, blood vessels and nerves, then it needs to be surgically resected. Generally, after surgical resection, the prognosis of patients is good and pancreatic lipoma can be cured.
It should be noted that pancreatic lipoma should be distinguished from malignant pancreatic liposarcoma to avoid misdiagnosis. It can be differentiated from malignant pancreatic liposarcoma through imaging examination, and pathologic biopsy can be performed to confirm the diagnosis if necessary.